Understanding the Importance of Chandrayaan-3
The entire nation expressed pride and excitement in one voice after the recent launch of ISRO’s new mission, Chandrayaan-3. While the hype around it is enough to depict the importance of Chandrayaan-3, many of us haven’t quite grasped the massive impact that this mission will have in the space and economic sector, not just in India but around the world. There are many aspects of this space mission that will make it a landmark achievement if Chandrayaan-3 manages to land safely on the southern pole of the moon. It is necessary for all of us to understand the importance of Chandrayaan-3, and here are the biggest reasons that make it a standout mission.
What is the importance of Chandrayaan-3?
Reflects India’s growing stature
A nation’s ability to explore and research space is among the biggest indicators of its development. Space exploration needs the expertise and hard work of some of the smartest minds in the country, and achieving success in this field requires years of planning and brainstorming. While ISRO is already regarded as some of the best space organisations on earth, this mission will take India’s capability to a whole new level. It will be a message to space superpowers like NASA that ISRO is not far from catching up to them. Along with India’s economy, the world is also witnessing the growth of its technical prowess. India’s growing strength, influence and stature will pick up even more pace if this mission succeeds in achieving its major objectives.
Building technologies that reduce the cost of space travel
One of the most marvellous facts about the Chandrayaan-3 mission is that it has commenced with an overall budget of only Rs 615 crores, which is lesser than the budgets of most special effects films today. Chandrayaan-3 is a living testament to space travel at reduced costs, which has become a game-changer in this sector. From India’s point of view, this mission makes a tremendous difference to ISRO’s goal of achieving commercial success and reducing its dependence on government funding. ISRO witnessed a sharp budget cut earlier this year, which is a reminder of how it needs its own commercial strength so that there is no halt to space and technical research.
New possibilities in energy, economic sectors
Chandrayaan-3 is slated to land at the southern pole of the moon, which is said to have large portions of water ice. This ice can not only be used as a rapidly depleting drinking water but also be used as an alternative source of fuel. Today, India’s automobile sector is working aggressively towards creating hydrogen-powered cars, which promises to make a big leap towards climate change and green energy. If ISRO’s mission empowers India to gain access to the moon’s water ice, it will propel India’s economic and space growth, unlike anything we have seen.
Sowing the seeds for future space research
India recently entered the Artemis Space Accords during PM Modi’s State Visit to the United States. All the members of Artemis Accords will partner in space research and travel, and it is thus in NASA’s interests that Chandrayaan-3 attains absolute success. Since NASA is planning to send its own rocket to the moon’s south pole in the coming times, ISRO’s space research will be crucial for them to execute their own mission. The priceless information and research India can carry out with this mission’s success will lay the foundations of future space research, thereby making India a space leader.
Chandrayaan-3 is expected to make its landing on the moon towards the end of August.
Image source: PTI